It’s been one week since the Steelers began training camp practices, and receiver Martavis Bryant remains on the sidelines as he awaits word from the NFL on the reinstatement process after he served a one-year drug suspension in 2016. A spokesman for the NFL said Friday morning Bryant still has to fulfill requirements before he can rejoin his teammates in practice.
“He would be permitted to participate in all preseason activities, including practices and games, once he satisfies requirements,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email Friday.
McCarthy was not specific in what requirements Bryant has to fulfill, but the league’s announcement in April indicates it might have to do with his arrangements for “clinical resources” in Pittsburgh.
“Bryant may join the Steelers at the training facility and participate in meetings, conditioning work and similar activities,” the statement said. “Once arrangements have been confirmed regarding Bryant’s clinical resources in Pittsburgh, he will be permitted to participate in all preseason activities, including practices and games.”
It’s also worth noting if and when Bryant is allowed to practice with the team this summer he will be up for review by the NFL before the start of the regular season.
“Prior to the start of the regular season, the NFL will review Bryant’s progress. Based on his compliance and engagement with his program and resources, he will be permitted to participate in all regular season activities beginning in Week 1. He will be evaluated later in the season for full reinstatement.”
Bryant has been watching practices the past few days and has done conditioning work on a field adjacent to the main practice field at Saint Vincent College. McCarthy said there was no timetable for a decision from the league.
Why Bryant was allowed to practice with the team during minicamp and OTAs this spring is unclear though “similar activities” could have meant practicing with the team.
Head coach Mike Tomlin has been mum on the subject the past few days when asked about it. Receivers coach Richard Mann said earlier this week Bryant is staying engaged by attending meetings and believes he has turned a corner in his quest to overcome his drug addiction.
“I think he’s matured and has a different mentality and a different demeanor about him,” Mann said. “He’s always been good with me. That’s not bragging. That’s the truth, man. He and I have a relationship like I have with all the other guys. We talk a lot.”
Ray Fittipaldo: rfittipaldo@post-gazette.com and Twitter @rayfitt1.
First Published: August 4, 2017, 2:53 p.m.
Updated: August 5, 2017, 3:02 a.m.